Bennett demands 'battling qualities'

Quakers lifted some of the relegation gloom after their midweek success over Cheltenham, but Bennett is the first to point out that by no stretch of the imagination are Quakers out of the relegation dog fight.

Bennett said: "The battling qualities were there which were perhaps missing in previous games. When we were under the cosh against Cheltenham, then everybody rolled their sleeves up.

"We must keep it going. We know what we have to do and that is to win enough games to keep us away from trouble at the bottom of the table. The players have set their standards again with Tuesday night's performance, and they must at least match that today.

"The result gave everybody a lift so we must get another victory today."

Darlington, in 18th spot, are four points above bottom club Carlisle but with 'six-pointers' coming up against Carlisle, Torquay and York in the next three weeks, Darlington desperately need another win.

Bennett revealed that he and assistant manager Mick Tait conducted an inquest on the way back from the Barnet match last Saturday and as a result stepped up training this week.

Bennett said: "We had a discussion on the bus about our performance and then we had the players in for a double training session on Monday.

"I don't like getting players in morning and afternoon, but we had to drill things into them, so they knew what they would be doing on Tuesday night, and again for today's game.

"If that's what it takes for us to achieve good results, then we will keep doing that."

Bennett believes that Tuesday night's three new signings have made a big difference, especially former Leeds player Mark Ford who has added some much-needed steel to the midfield.

"I'm delighted that we signed him, because it's very difficult to find a player of Mark's quality.

"He controlled things for us on Tuesday night, by getting around the pitch and making tackles at crucial times. David (Brightwell) has added some balance to the side, while we've already seen what Steve Harper is good at." And Bennett will include a fourth new signing this afternoon, Trinidad and Tobago international Clint Marcelle from Hull.

"We're going to pair him up front with John Williams, who has needed somebody up there with him. I think that we are starting to get the basis of a good side."

Bennett is also asking for the same level of support from the fans. "They were superb on Tuesday night. When we had our backs to the wall in the second-half, the fans got behind the players, and it really lifted them.

"It makes a big difference to the players when they hear the supporters cheering them on. Fans can play a big part, especially in these circumstances."

There is still a good chance that Bennett will splash out on more players, although the price and the terms have to be right.

"Mick and I are discussing players all the time and we made a list of 20 players to make enquiries about. But the money some of them are on is huge."

Bennett's problem today is to decide which formation to use, as Paul Heckingbottom is missing with a groin injury.

l Portsmouth set their sights on the Premiership after confirming Graham Rix as their new manager.

Rix has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract and will work alongside the existing staff including his predecessor in the Fratton Park hot-seat, Steve Claridge.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea man said: ''I'm very excited. It's a great challenge. The club is very ambitious and so am I. The board have been brilliant through this.

''I want to give Pompey's fans something to cheer about. The crowd potential is quite fantastic, but they haven't had much to shout about in the past few years.

''They already get behind the team fantastically and I hope they will continue to do so. They can't expect miracles overnight but we will get there eventually.''

After an early spell of success under Claridge this season, Pompey have struggled in recent weeks and dropped dangerously close to the Division One relegation zone.

But Rix added: ''I want Steve to stay and work with me as a player and on the coaching staff. We had a brief chat yesterday and we will talk again today. But I want him on board.

''If we all pull in the same direction then we can take the club forward. I'm really excited about the prospects. Portsmouth could be a very big club.''

Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric said: ''We are delighted to have Graham Rix on board at Fratton Park. If you talk to anybody within football they will tell you Graham is one of the best and most respected coaches in the game.

''This is a major boost to the club and is another indication that the Premiership is our prime objective."